1. in a way that follows or explains something as if it were a machine; by means of mechanical processes or laws
Usage: often used in philosophy, science, and psychology to describe deterministic or automatic explanations

Examples

• The scientist explained the behavior mechanistically, reducing it to simple cause-and-effect relationships.
• Critics argue that viewing human behavior mechanistically ignores emotion and free will.
• The machine operates mechanistically, following its programmed instructions without deviation.
• She approached the problem mechanistically, breaking it into smaller, independent parts.
• The theory mechanistically describes how neurons fire in response to stimuli.
• Rather than mechanistically applying the rule, the teacher considered each student's unique situation.